Her hands trembled. She couldn’t believe this was really happening.

“Are you cold?” Josh asked as he put an arm around her.

She shook her head. “No. Just . . . excited. I can’t believe this is really happening.”

Melissa came over and stood beside them. “I can’t wait until they drop that curtain and we can go in. I’m dying to see it.”

Ellie reached out and gave Melissa’s hand a quick squeeze. It meant so much for Melissa to be there with her for the unveiling. Melissa hadn’t been joking. You don’t get just one, the Turchettas come as a package deal. Each and every one of them, including their children, were there to support her.

“Ellie, the time has arrived. Are you ready to cut the ribbon and drop the sheet?” Dean asked.

He heart was racing. When she agreed to go into business with Dean, she took his suggestions and made a few of her own. She thought for sure Dean would waver on his agreement, but he hadn’t. She had the final say on each and every decision. All were important, but none as much as the name. Toot Sweets had been there from the beginning. And she had wanted it there to the end. But after thinking long and hard, she knew it was time for a change.

“I’m ready,” Ellie answered. She stepped forward, took the scissors, and prepared to cut. She looked to Dean and asked, “Aren’t you coming up too?”

Dean shook his head and handed Josh an envelope. Ellie had no idea what that was all about, but she couldn’t ask now. People were all there, staring at her. Whatever just transpired between those two, she didn’t want it to be public knowledge.

Turning her attention to the gathered crowd, she said, “I want to thank you all for coming out for the grand reveal. Six months ago I never would’ve dreamt this would happen. But change is inevitable. I hope you all enjoy the changes as much as I do.”

Bringing the scissors up to the red ribbon, she cut it and stood back to watch the large sheet fall to the ground. As the sign was revealed Ellie sucked in a breath. It was . . . exactly as she’d pictured it. I hope you like it, Frank.

Turning back to the crowd she said, “Welcome to Frank’s Sweet Tooth.” The name of the shop had been one thing she’d been unwilling to negotiate with Dean on.

They all applauded and one by one came over to hug her before entering the shop. With everyone else inside, Ellie found herself alone with Josh. They stood looking up at the sign.

“Frank would be very proud of you, Ellie.”

“I hope so. And now I feel like he’ll always be there with me.”

“I’m sure he will be.”

“I couldn’t have done this without you, Josh.”

“You mean Dean, your partner.”

Ellie shook her head. “Josh Turchetta, when are you going to give it up?”

“What are you talking about?”

“This little charade of yours.”

“Ellie, I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Josh said.

She went up on her tippy toes and whispered, “I know Dean was never my silent partner.”

For a brief moment she felt Josh tense. “What do you mean?”

“My brother was one hell of an investigator. I would like to think some of that passed down to me. I know someone like Dean wouldn’t just happen to stop in my shop. So I did some digging, and guess what I found?” Josh didn’t say anything. “I found that you know him much better than you led me to believe. And the so called contract that I signed wasn’t valid. Nowhere in any records does it list Hendersons as a partner, silent or not.”

“And you think—”

“No. I know you were the one behind all of this. You funded it, you encouraged it, and I love you for it. What I don’t understand is why didn’t you want me to know?”

Josh pulled her into his arms. “Honey, I didn’t want you doing it for me. I wanted you to do this all for you. This was your dream. Yours and Frank’s. I wanted to keep it that way. That’s why I just sat back and listened.”

“Thank you. But now I have a question. What did Dean give you?”

Josh tapped his breast pocket and said, “That is one secret you’re not going to get out of me.”

She tried to slip her hand into his pocket, but he covered her hand, preventing her from grabbing the envelope. “Come on. I want to see.”

“There is only one thing you need to do.”

“What’s that?” Ellie asked.

“Pack an overnight bag and your passport,” Josh whispered in her ear.

She looked at him and asked, “Where are we going?”

Josh laughed. “You are going inside Frank’s Sweet Tooth, and you are going to enjoy this day. Tomorrow, well, you’ll just have to wait until we get there.”

Ellie would work on him later, after everyone left. She had her ways of getting him to talk, and he never minded her tactics either.

Gabe called out from the doorway, “If you lovebirds don’t get in here quick, we’re going to make this a self-serve.”

Ellie laughed and Josh released his hold on her. Together they headed into the bakery. “Sorry, we were just discussing. . .” Ellie giggled, not being able to keep a straight face.

“Wedding cakes,” Josh added.

She had already conceded to the fact that she wasn’t just a cupcake shop any longer. After Coralee’s outrageous pizza wedding cake was such a hit, Ellie agreed with Josh to expand her services. But right now she hoped that Josh hadn’t committed her to doing another one now. She was looking forward to a bit of time alone with Josh.

Ellie turned and looked at Josh who had dropped down to one knee. She looked around the room, and no one seemed surprised in the least. When she turned back to Josh, he reached out for her hand.

“Ellie, I had a long speech written and rehearsed. I’m a man with a thousand words, but when I’m with you, there are only three that seem to matter. I love you.” Pulling a box out of his pocket he said, “There is only one woman for me, and that is you. Would you do me the honor of being my wife?”

Ellie’s hands trembled. “I love you too.”

“Is that a yes?” Josh asked.

Throwing her arms around his neck she cried, “Yes. Yes. Yes.”

The crowd once again applauded. Josh slipped the diamond ring on her finger, then held her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. “I have so much more I want to say, but if you don’t mind, I’d like to say it when we’re alone.”

Ellie smiled. “Any issue with us closing early on the first day open?”

Josh laughed. “You’re the boss.”

She looked around the shop and for once she didn’t worry about tomorrow. Yes, she was financially secure, but more importantly, she no longer felt alone. She didn’t just have Josh, she had something she never thought she’d have again. A family.

What she hadn’t had a chance to tell Josh was the family would be growing in about thirty-six weeks. Her doctor visit earlier that day had confirmed they were going to be parents. Our tomorrows are only going to get better.

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The End